Homemade Apple Slab Pie

Introduction

Apple slab pie is a crowd-pleasing dessert — perfect for holidays, parties, or family gatherings. It combines the comforting flavor of classic apple pie with the convenience of a sheet pan bake. With a buttery, flaky crust and warm spiced apple filling, every bite is pure nostalgia.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup ice-cold water

For the Apple Filling

• 8 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons butter (to dot over filling)

For Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for crunch)
• Optional glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk + ½ teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing just until dough forms.
4. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
2. Toss until apples are evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow juices to develop.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface into a rectangle large enough to fit a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan.
3. Place dough in the pan, pressing into corners and leaving a slight overhang.
4. Pour apple mixture evenly over the crust. Dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp edges to seal.
6. Cut a few small slits in the top to vent steam.
7. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle coarse sugar.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Optional Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled pie for a sweet finish.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~350 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 27g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and fiber from fresh apples
• Great source of energy
• Perfect dessert for large gatherings
• Comforting and satisfying treat

Formation & Texture

• The crust should be flaky and buttery
• The apple filling soft but not mushy, perfectly spiced
• The aroma — a sweet blend of butter, cinnamon, and baked apples

History

Apple pie dates back to medieval England, evolving through centuries of baking traditions. The slab version became popular in the U.S. for community gatherings — a larger, easier-to-share version of the classic pie.

Conclusion

Apple slab pie brings together all the warmth and tradition of homemade baking in a generous, shareable format. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ll have a dessert that wins every heart at the table.

Pie Lovers’ Tip**

For an extra layer of flavor, brush the top crust with apple cider before baking — it adds a caramelized sheen and deeper apple essence!